Multiple air source mattress control system

Abstract

A patient support apparatus, such as a mattress, has multiple air sources to inflate air bladders of the apparatus. In one embodiment, a first air source provides air to one or more main support bladders and a second air source provides air to one or more microclimate bladders when a control system of the patient support apparatus operates according to a first mode of operation. The first and second air sources provide air to a turn bladder when the control system operates according to a second mode of operation. In another embodiment, a first air source provides air to at least one main support bladder and to at least one microclimate bladders. A second air source is dedicated for inflating at least one turn bladder.

1. A person support apparatus for supporting a person, the person support apparatus comprising
 a set of air bladders that are inflatable to support the person, the set of air bladders including a first air bladder and a second air bladder, 
 at least one turn bladder that is inflatable to turn the person toward one of the person's sides, and 
 a control system having a first air source and a second air source, the control system having a first mode of operation in which the first air source provides air to the first air bladder and the second air source provides air to the second air bladder, the control system having a second mode of operation in which the first and second air sources both provide air to the at least one turn bladder. 
 
     
     
       2. The person support apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the second air bladder is situated above the first air bladder. 
     
     
       3. The person support apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one turn bladder is situated between the first air bladder and the second air bladder. 
     
     
       4. The person support apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one turn bladder is situated beneath the first air bladder. 
     
     
       5. The person support apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the second air bladder comprises a microclimate control bladder having a low air loss feature. 
     
     
       6. The person support apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the control system comprises a first valve coupled to the first air source and a second valve coupled to the second air source, the first valve having a first position in which air from the first air source is fed to the first air bladder and a second position in which air from the first air source is fed to the at least one turn bladder, and the second valve have having a third position in which air is fed from the second air source to the second air bladder and a fourth position in which air from the second air source is fed to the at least one turn bladder. 
     
     
       7. The person support apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the control system further comprises a third valve, wherein the at least one turn bladder comprises a right turn bladder and a left turn bladder, the third valve having a fifth position in which air received by the third valve from the first and second air sources is fed to the right turn bladder, and the third valve having a sixth position in which air received by the third valve from the first and second air sources is fed to the left turn bladder. 
     
     
       8. The person support apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first air bladder comprises a plurality of air bladders. 
     
     
       9. The person support apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the second air bladder comprises a plurality of air bladders. 
     
     
       10. The person support apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second air sources each comprise at least one of a pump, a compressor, or a blower. 
     
     
       11. The person support apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one turn bladder comprises a left turn assist bladder and right turn assist bladder and wherein the control system is operable to inflate a designated one of the left turn and right turn bladders to an inflated condition for a predetermined period of time, on a one-time basis, in response to a user activation of a turn assist feature of the control system. 
     
     
       12. The person support apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one turn bladder comprises a left rotation bladder and right rotation bladder and wherein the control system is operable to repeatedly and alternately inflate and deflate the left turn and right turn bladders in response to a user activation of a continuous lateral rotation therapy feature of the control system. 
     
     
       13. A person support apparatus for supporting a person, the person support apparatus comprising
 a set of air bladders that are inflatable to support the person, the set of air bladders including a first air bladder and a second air bladder, 
 at least one turn bladder that is inflatable to turn the person toward one of the person's sides, and 
 a control system having a first air source and a second air source, the control system having a first valve that is moveable between a first position in which air from the first air source is fed to the first bladder and a second position in which air from the first air source is fed to the second bladder, the second air source being coupled to the at least one turn bladder, the second air source having an off state in which the at least one turn bladder is deflated, and the second air source having an on state to inflate the at least one turn bladder. 
 
     
     
       14. The person support apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the second air bladder is situated above the first air bladder. 
     
     
       15. The person support apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the at least one turn bladder is situated between the first air bladder and the second air bladder. 
     
     
       16. The person support apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the at least one turn bladder is situated beneath the first air bladder. 
     
     
       17. The person support apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the second air bladder comprises a microclimate control bladder having a low air loss feature. 
     
     
       18. The person support apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the at least one turn bladder comprises a right turn bladder and a left turn bladder and wherein the control system comprises a second valve coupled to the second air source, the second valve having a third position in which air is fed from the second air source to the right turn bladder when the second air source is in the on state and a fourth position in which air from the second air source is fed to the left turn bladder when the second air source is in the on state. 
     
     
       19. The person support apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein at least one of the first air bladder or the second air bladder comprises a plurality of air bladders. 
     
     
       20. The person support apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the first and second air sources each comprise at least one of a pump, a compressor, or a blower.